Kenya's rising tennis star, Angela Okutoyi, made history at the 2021 Australian Open by being the first Kenyan female to win a match at a junior grand slam tournament.
It was the first time in 16 years a Kenyan has played at the Australian Open Juniors and only the second time a Kenyan girl has played in a Junior Grand Slam Tournament.
Speaking to BBC Sports Africa, Wanjiru Mbugua Karani the Secretary General of Tennis Kenya noted that the government spent around Ksh923,200 (USD8,000) for her travel and other expenses to the Australian Open.
Also Read: From Orphanage to Tennis Stardom: The Story of Angella Okutoyi
“For her to play and travel at the Australian Open, it cost us about USD8,000 and here we are talking about things like air ticket, accommodation, insurance and training,” Wanjiru Mbugua noted.
She noted that without travelling, it is difficult for a player to turn pro in the competition.
During the interview with BBC Africa Sports, Okutoyi noted that when she began playing tennis, she would at times attend training without having a meal.
However, she was quick to note that currently it’s the sport that provides a meal for her and her family.
Okutoyi, who started tennis at the age of four years, has been bagged many trophies at the African championship, enabling her to contest in the Australian Open.
The 18-year-old tennis star noted that her trip to the Australian Open gave her the opportunity to see renowned tennis players like Coco Gauf from the US and Madison Keys, among others.
Also Read: Angela Okutoyi Makes History With First Win in the Australian Open